DFA: Farm bill defeat a blow to dairy

John Wilson, senior vice president of Dairy Farmers of America, Inc., released the following statement after the farm bill was defeated in the House.

“Despite the agriculture community’s best effort, with a vote of 195–234 the U.S. House of Representatives failed to pass a Farm Bill today.

Earlier in the day, the Goodlatte-Scott amendment stripped the Dairy Market Stabilization Program from the underlying bill.

Regardless of the loss on Goodlatte-Scott, Dairy Farmers of America remained supportive of final passage of the Farm Bill to keep the momentum going on a bill that is vital to so many aspects of the American agriculture sector. Farm families across the nation rely on the provisions in the Farm Bill, and that they will continue to operate under outdated and inadequate policies is truly disappointing.

DFA members joined farmers across the nation in voicing their support of this Farm Bill, and their engagement was instrumental in securing needed dairy policy reform in the version of the bill brought to the floor.

Although today has been disappointing, the dairy industry has shown its resiliency in the past, and continued optimism and action is the only option as we look to the future. We express sincere thanks to all who made calls, attended meetings and sent important emails to their legislators. This participation is imperative as we look to the future and make dairy policy reform a reality.

“The dairy industry has many advocates on Capitol Hill and we owe our appreciation to those in Congress who supported our efforts. I am confident that this support will not falter as we continue our pursuit of meaningful dairy policy reform.”